Anti-plastic drive on in TN as cabinet opts for paper folders

Tamil Nadu is going into an anti-plastic mode with chief minister K Palaniswami today saying his cabinet will switch over to paper folders to carry government files.

The state government has also lined up a host of popular actors Surya, Jyothika, Vivek and Karthi as 'brand ambassadors' for highlighting the ill-effects of plastic.

Launching a portal to spread awareness against the use of plastic and pollution caused by it, Palaniswami sought the cooperation of traders and people to ensure a plastic-free Tamil Nadu.

He said a decision has been taken where paper folders will be used by him and his cabinet colleagues to carry government files.

Palaniswami also announced the appointment of the four actors as brand ambassadors on the occasion.

Coinciding with the world environment day on June 5, the chief minister had announced in the state assembly a ban on plastic that would come into effect from January 1, 2019.

Palaniswami had said use of some plastic items, including non-biodegradable bags, would be banned from January next in the interest of the environment and to 'gift a plastic-free' state to the future generations.

However, polythene sachets used for packing milk, curd, oil and medical utilities would be exempted from the ban.